Radio To Lobby Over Internet Broadcast Rights
The Federal Government are set to lobbied by radio broadcasters to amend legislation so that internet simulcasts and online programs are considered as a ‘broadcast’ by copyright law. The move comes after regional radio operator, Grant Broadcasters took down its internet simulcast services in response to a court ruling that ended a four-year long legal battle over broadcasting rights in which online radio program simulcasts were found to fall out the definitions of ‘broadcast’ under the Australian Copyright Act, and thus not covered by existing licences granted to commercial radio. Representatives from Commercial Radio Australia and other broadcasters have not publicly confirmed their contentions to fight the copyright changes, but sources say they are keen to negotiate payable fees for internet simulcasts. The PPCA, who were pushing for the recent court ruling to change internet simulcast licensing definitions, said the commercial radio industry had thus far “had a free kick – driving listening audience numbers and profits via the internet while not paying artists fairly for use of their recordings.” (via The Australian)
PledgeMusic Celebrates Groundbreaking Local Campaigns
Newly independent singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and vintage Aussie rock band Pseudo Echo have helped online, direct-to-fan music platform PledgeMusic break records in surpassing their goals for the respective campaigns. After issuing five releases through Sony Music, for her fourth studio album Kate Miller-Heidke partnered with PledgeMusic to raise funds for the release of O Vertigo!, smashing her funding target in a matter of days. Offering a range of rewards and unique fan service to pledgers (including a wedding gig and Executive Producer credit), Miller-Heidke is already at 135% of her goal and climbing for her new 11-track album. Pseudo Echo have proven their PledgeMusic power also, currently sitting at 110% of their own funding goal for a new studio album as they enter their fourth decade as a band. Fans can benefit from one-of-a-kind merch and experiences with the band for their pledges. Both artists join an impressive list of successful PledgeMusic campaign alumni, including Slash, Ben Folds Five, and ABBA, as well as Aussie artists like Underground Lovers, Lior, Mia Dyson, and Alex Lloyd. (via PledgeMusic)
Rdio Launches Free Internet Radio Down Under
Popular streaming service Rdio last week launched its free internet radio feature – featuring hundreds of digital radio stations for streaming – in Australia, making the extra service free on mobile to all iOS and Android platforms simultaneously with North America. All of Rdio’s stations, using a library of over 20 million songs, are available to new users as well as those with subscriptions and trials, even if they’ve wrapped up. New features launched with the free internet radio streaming include personalised You FM stations, sharing playlists and stations through social media, and new album and playlist specific stations. (via The Music Network)
Sound Summit 2013 Announces Full Music Program
Following from announcing the first string of bands, dates, and venues for the annual music industry summit,the full music program for this November’s Sound Summit 2013 has been announced. The festival of independent and innovative music will feature five international headliners and over 50 Australian artists in diverse and eclectic range of independent artists. Joining the Sound Summit 2013 lineup are James Rushford & Joe Talia, Thomas William, Multiple Man, Red Red Krovvy, Old Mate, Heinz Riegler, xNOBBQx, and a huge list of innovative acts (for the full lineup head here), in addition the already announced likes of Oval, Tyvek, and more. In addition, Sound Summit 2013 will present showcases by a variety of influential record labels, including Goethe-Institut, Popfrenzy, AARGHT!, Moduluxx, and more. Sound Summit is a project of MusicNSW, and is proudly supported by ArtsNSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Goethe Institut, 2SER, Two Thousand, and
Repressed Records(via Sound Summit)
Inertia Signs White Sea To Pod Imprint
Inertia has announced the latest signing for their Pod imprint label in White Sea, the musical moniker for Morgan Kibby – best known as a frequent touring member and collaborator for French electro rockers M83. In 2008, she contributed arrangements and keys to M83’s Saturday=Youth, while sharing a production credit and touring with Anthony Gonzalez’ live lineup. In 2011 she contributed once more to M83’s sixth album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, including co-writing its world-conquering ‘Midnight City’ single. Under White Sea, Kibby draws on her skills as a remix artist (for the likes of School of Seven Bells, Britney Spears, and Active Child), while working on debut album In Cold Blood, due for release in 2014 locally through Pod.
Budweiser Search For Australia’s Best DJ
A partnership between the Australian Independent Music Awards and beermakers Budweiser has kickstarted a nationwide search for the country’s best producer or DJ. The call has been out for a life-changing leg-up to travel the world’s clubs and the music charts, with the inaugural Budweiser Producer/DJ of the Year Award, to be announced at the AIMAs this November, with the winner a chance to play club Marquee in New York and Las Vegas, and Sydney, a new Pioneer DDJ-SX4-channel Serato DJ controller, and ongoing support through festival appearances, industry networking, sponsorship opportunities and more. Entry is open to all Aussie DJs and Producers, who are invited to submit their best tracks, remixes, edits, and mixes online here: http://bit.ly/aimadjproducer Submissions close at midnight on 30th September 2013, with the winner announced at this year’s AIMA ceremony at Sydney’s The Star casino complex on 7th November 2013.
